TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
New York City FC completed the transfer of Jack Harrison to their sibling club Manchester City on Tuesday, the young English winger signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the runaway English Premier League leaders, who immediately loaned him to second-tier side Middlesbrough FC for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
The first overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Harrison, 21, was drafted by the Chicago Fire but immediately traded to NYCFC, where he proved an instant standout, racking up 14 goals and 13 assists in 44 regular-season appearances for the Bronx club.
“I’ll forever be grateful to everyone at New York City FC for having faith in me and trading up for me in the 2016 MLS draft. NYCFC has felt like home from the moment I arrived and has given me some of the best experiences of my life,” Harrison told NYCFC.com.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody associated with NYCFC – I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this team and this club. From the amazing staff and teammates who’ve challenged me to develop my game every single day to the loyal, passionate fans who’ve always supported me, the memories of my two years with NYCFC will live on with me forever.”
Harrison also had the opportunity to say goodbye to his teammates at NYCFC's preseason camp:
Recent media reports suggested that Boro – who are chasing promotion to the EPL, running in second place in the Championship at the moment – were interested in acquiring Harrison on a permanent basis, reportedly submitting a $4.5 million bid last week. They will now get to evaluate the player over the next few months instead.
“Jack is an exciting talent, who leaves New York with our warmest wishes,” said NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna. “It’s a testament to our coaching, training and scouting staff that they have helped to develop Jack into a player who has garnered interest from various clubs in Europe. It speaks to the future of our club and soccer in the US. We scouted Jack from an early age and he’s now made appearances for England U21s.
“Of course, it’s sad to see Jack go but at the same time, we recognize this is an opportunity that he felt ready for and wanted. Most importantly, we’re extremely confident that we’re heading into this new season with a very strong squad.”
